Originally Posted by
Steve Kincaid
There is no ground run from the main 400 amp. panel to the 60 amp. branch panel through this conduit (only the two hots and a neutral).
Actually, there *IS* a ground, it is just that the neutral is being used as a ground - which is not allowed for that installation.
Yes, a "separate" grounding conductor is required between those two panels.
Is a grounding conductor required from the main panel to the branch panel since this is a detached structure (and yes, the neutrals were still tied to the grounding buss in the branch panel - thank you sparky).
Actually, more than that is required.
From your description, the original service equipment (at the original house) is no longer being used as service equipment, yet the service is still running to that panel.
The electrical system 'could have been all changed around' to reflect the new wiring and new location of the service equipment, but if the service equipment is anyplace but at the original structure and its panel ... what you are describing (at least what I am visualizing what you are describing) is all wrong.
Here are some questions:
- Where is the service now located?
- Where is the service equipment panel?
- The service equipment conductor (laterals from underground) go to which panel?
- From that panel (in the above question) the *feeders* (no longer "service equipment conductors") go to where?
- From the above question, the "feeders" *REQUIRE* 4 wires: 'hot' 'hot' 'neutral' 'ground', and less and you have a problem. 'Ground' "could be" metal conduit, however, you stated PVC, thus the "ground" must be a separate conductor - i.e., 4 conductors from the service equipment panel to any other panel.